Great Britain

Best places for hiking in the South of England

The South of England is the perfect place for those who love the outdoors. Full of stunning hikes and walks for you to go on, whether you’re interested in a gentle walk or endurance hike we’ve got you covered.

Your walking can start the second you step of the ferry in Dover with our Port being close to the National Trusts White Cliffs of Dover. Take a stroll over the stunning White Cliffs, home to wild horses, a stunning castle and a beautiful lighthouse which makes a brilliant pit stop for afternoon tea.

Alternatively you could drive to St Margarets Bay, less than a 15 minute drive away from Dover Port and do the beautiful eight mile seaside walk to Deal Castle. You could even choose to stop of at Walmer Castle on the way to explore the beautiful grounds of this castle and grab a bite to eat.

Need some additional peace of mind when planning your trip to the south of England this year? Upgrade to one of our Standard Flexi or Fully Flexi tickets and you'll enjoy some flexibility to your departure time! Not only that, but if you choose our Fully Flexi ticket you'll also avoid cancellation and amendment fees. Start planning that well deserved trip to the south of England today and book direct for the best deals!

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Best places for hiking in South of England

1
Exmoor National Park
2
Forest Dean
3
Dartmoor National Park
4
Cotswold

Hiking in the South of England

South west coast path and Exmoor National Park

The south west coast path starts in Minehead in Somerset and the trail runs along the coastline of Exmoor, continuing along the coast of the North Devon into Cornwall. The path follows the entire coastline of Cornwall, full of so many interesting sites and stunningly beautiful views that the south west coast has to offer. The route finishes in Poole Harbour in Dorset.

The coastal path has many areas of interest for you explore, including little villages and stunning countryside of Exmoor National Park and many heritage sites such as the coastguard cottages.

Exmoor National Park is ideal for both experienced walkers and those new to walking, with a range of trails and bridleways for you to explore. Travel through oak woodlands, beautiful rivers and heather covered moorlands. Make sure that you pop by the National Park Centres to pick up maps and other useful information.

This route is brilliant for a week of walking with lots of quaint villages or seaside towns for you to stay at along the way.

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a perfect mixture of walking and the arts. The four and half mile Sculpture Trail has been around since the 80s and provides a unique experience to view giant sculptures created by materials found in the forest.

This walk is perfect for all ages and abilities and everyone is bound to be wowed by the stunning sculptures hidden in the forest. While in the Forest of Dean you might want to head to the Dean Heritage Centre with its impressive exhibits and beautiful grounds for you to explore.

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park is a hikers dream with its wild, open moorlands and deep river valleys. The park itself has a rich history and home to rare wildlife, making it a unique place to explore.

Start your trip at one of their award winning visitor centres. The friendly staff can help you plan your walks or activities during your visit. As well as walking, it is a well-known location for cycling, kayaking or camping. So you can make a complete week out of exploring the beautiful rugged landscape of Dartmoor National Park.

They have a range of short and long walks for you to enjoy. But a great one is the four villages’ route that takes approximately four hours. This is an easy-going circular route that takes you through South Tawton, South Zeal, Sticklepath and Belstone.

Take a leisurely ramble down the Cotswold Way

The Cotswold Way starts at Chipping Camden to Bath, the 100 mile route, offers great views as is passes through the picture perfect Cotswold villages. Any of which would make the perfect location for an overnight stop in a B&B or camping site. You can easily find the start and end of the trail by looking for the beautiful handcrafted stone markers.

The route takes you through an area of outstanding natural beauty with so many places to enjoy along the way.

Summer evening on the South West Coast Path

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